The Ashes: Ben Stokes call on England to ‘create history’ in Australia

Stokes has been part of an Ashes-winning team since making his debut in 2013. He produced some all-time great Ashes moments; the highlight of which was his epic unbeaten 135 to win the 2019 Headingley Ashes Test.

The all-rounder has secured his place in English sporting history with his exploits in Test cricket and match-winning performances in each of the 2019 50-over World Cup and 2022 T20 World Cup finals.

Had the 34-year-old left Australia along with five other post-war leaders, Stokes would have been talked about as one of England’s greatest cricketers.

“I know this is a series that probably stands out above all the other series I’ve been captain of,” he said.

“But it won’t take away from any of the time, energy and effort I put into being England captain.”

England can mount their fastest attack in a Test by naming five pacers in their XI for the series opener at Perth Stadium.

Mark Wood, Jofra Archer, Gus Atkinson, Brydon Carse and Stokes can reach speeds of 90 mph.

The array of fast bowlers available to the tourists for this series is the result of long-term planning to arrive in Australia at the pace England feel is necessary to succeed here.

“If we had gone back two years before we picked the squad and we had this, we would have bitten your hand off,” Stokes said.

He added that England were “lucky” to be able to select bowlers who could “add skill” to their pace.

Stokes has returned to form after recovering from a shoulder injury that ruled him out of England’s last test against India in July.

The Durham man has not been able to complete any of England’s last four series due to various injuries and his fitness will be crucial to his hopes of reclaiming the jar.

“I came into the series fully embracing the all-round role with bat and ball,” he said.

“I have worked very, very hard to make sure that I can give my full commitment to this role when I play it, because I know how much of an impact it makes on the team and how it balances the sides.”